The Bureau of Reclamation will begin work to replace the two existing operation and maintenance gates at Upper Deer Flat Dam on September 2. The existing gates will be replaced with new fixed beam barrier gates. The Upper Embankment of Deer Flat Dam is located about 25 miles west of Boise, Idaho.

"The existing gates will be replaced at the Upper Embankment next to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Refuge, not the Lower Embankment," said Area Manger Jerrold Gregg. "The impact to the public is minimal since the area is already closed to vehicle traffic, but because it is a construction site we are asking other users to avoid the Upper Embankment for safety reasons."

The replacement of the gates is part of a long-term goal to implement corrective actions for operational contingency and safety at three Federal dams in Idaho, with minimal inconvenience to the public. The other facilities that have been identified as requiring similar measures are Palisades Dam, located on the South Fork of the Snake River, about 55 miles southeast of Idaho Falls, Idaho and Anderson Ranch dam located on the South Fork of the Boise River about 28 miles northeast of Mountain Home, Idaho.

Meetings have been held at cities near each of the locations to inform the public about the enhanced capability measures. Long-term measures to address operational and safety measures will be explored in collaboration with the public, county governments, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other affected agencies.

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Reclamation is the largest wholesale water supplier and the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the United States, with operations and facilities in the 17 Western States. Its facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits. Visit our website at www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR.